A blog covering all matters refereeing, the Premier League, Football League, Scottish football and occasionally European football

Martin Atkinson to referee Arsenal v Leicester

Martin Atkinson has been confirmed as the referee for Sunday’s Premier League clash between title-chasing Arsenal and Leicester City.

Unlucky charm: Arsenal have won just one of the last seven games refereed by Atkinson, drawing one and losing five (Picture from Sky Sports)

MARTIN Atkinson will take charge of Arsenal’s pivotal Premier League encounter with table-topping Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.

The 44-year-old, from West Yorkshire, will oversee the eagerly-awaited lunchtime kick-off on Sunday as Arsene Wenger’s team seek to boost their title hopes by completing a league double over the unexpected leaders.

He will be assisted by experienced linesmen Stephen Child and Mike Mullarkey, while Roger East – who will be in the middle for Chelsea’s home clash with Newcastle on Saturday – is the fourth official.

(Reuters) - The return of all-rounder Ben Stokes will be a welcome boost to the England squad as he provides much-needed balance and lifts morale, team mate Moeen Ali said ahead of the two-match test series in New Zealand.

(Reuters) - An emotional Juan Martin del Potro could barely believe he had finally won a Masters 1000 series title at the 51st attempt at Indian Wells on Sunday but is determined to keep the trophies coming in his late career renaissance.